Kai was definitely happy to be the first Level 5 Survivor. It was a great achievement, and he really wanted to brag about it.
But he was also curious about the other types of Gene Enhancement Serums out there.
Considering he had to wait so long to level up using the Alpha version of the Serum, he believed there might actually be a Beta version that could grant better Experience Points or even greater Stat Increases.
Rumble!
However, the sudden earthquake disrupted his thoughts. He couldn't even share the good news with everyone.
Suddenly, Russel burst into the chamber. He paused to catch his breath, his eyes darting across the room.
Kai and the others could tell immediately that this was not going to be good news.
"They've found us!" he shouted. "Two Sentinels and two Hounds… they destroyed the tunnel entrance with that advanced rifle. Our scout… he didn't make it back. Either captured or forced to lead them here."
The room fell silent for a moment. This was a very important matter.
"Shit…" Victor cursed under his breath, while Claire's face paled.
"We have to fight!" Russel declared with his trembling voice. He was hoping Kai and the others would agree. After all, he knew that fleeing would only make things more dangerous.
"Y-yes… We have no other choice," Claire muttered.
The thought of facing humanoid A.I. soldiers and beastframe wolves in such close quarters sent a chill through everyone. Their revolvers and bladed weapons felt pitiful against machines built for war. Yet the shelter's narrow tunnels offered one advantage... the enemy's numbers and mobility would be limited.
Kai had to think of a plan. He couldn't let panic spread. "Where exactly did they breach?" he asked quickly.
Russel pointed toward the northern tunnel. "That passage. If they push through, they'll reach the lower chambers in a few minutes."
Kai frowned, already familiar with that area. After a moment of consideration, he made up his mind.
"Then we collapse it."
Russel blinked, stunned at the suggestion. "Collapse the tunnel? That's… risky."
But even as he said it, he realized it might be possible.
"Yes… It would stop them. The other Sentinels wouldn't dare approach again if they thought this place was unstable." Russel nodded to himself.
"Is it possible to collapse that specific tunnel?" Claire asked.
"Yes!" Russel explained that they could do it by destroying the two pillars near the entrance. Thankfully, the Elder had already considered this scenario and prepared the shelter to collapse certain areas if necessary.
"That's great." Kai smiled, knowing this would work. He had already noticed yesterday that the structure of the shelter was designed for that exact purpose.
"But before we collapse the tunnel, I want to test something. We'll fire on them first. I need to know how effective our revolvers are against Sentinels and Hounds. If we're going to survive long term, we can't keep guessing."
Wallace frowned. "Kai… those things are armored. If the bullets bounce off—"
"Then we'll know," Kai interrupted. "Better to learn now than wait until they storm the shelter. If the revolvers can pierce them, even a little, it changes everything."
The others exchanged uneasy glances. The idea of deliberately engaging the machines was terrifying, but Kai's logic was undeniable.
Claire swallowed hard. "So… we fight, then collapse the tunnel?"
Kai's gaze swept over them, and he nodded.
"Yes. We'll strike first, measure their response, then retreat and bring the tunnel down. If we succeed, Haven‑45 will remain hidden. If we fail…" He clenched his fist. "…then at least we'll know what we're up against."
Russel tightened his grip on his blade and nodded. "Alright. I'll guide you to the breach."
Soon, they informed the others of the plan so everyone could work together and execute it smoothly.
After their preparations, they noticed that the Sentinels and the Hounds were moving closer and closer to their location. They had to hurry.
At this point, those who couldn't fight had already moved toward the farthest area to avoid harm.
As Kai's group waited near the northern tunnel, the distant metallic echoes of the Sentinels and the Hounds reverberated through the stone.
"They're coming…" Russel muttered as he slowly retreated, letting Kai and the others handle the enemies. At the same time, he signaled to Augustine and the other fighters to prepare for the destruction of the pillars.
Soon, Kai raised his hand, signaling the group to halt just before the bend.
"Positions. We'll fire as soon as they appear. Ralph, aim for the joints and sensors. The rest, focus on their weapons."
Ralph, with his Sharpshooter's Focus Talent, was skilled enough to hit his target. As for the others, they could rely on the narrow tunnel to at least land their shots.
Victor swallowed hard, gripping his revolver tightly. "If this doesn't work…"
"Then we collapse the tunnel immediately," Kai cut in. "No hesitation."
The group pressed against the walls, revolvers ready.
Thud…
Suddenly, the first Sentinel appeared. It was humanoid but taller and with armored plating covering its body. A rifle was slung across its mechanical arms. Behind it, the Hounds crept forward while their metallic claws scraped against the stone floor.
"Fire!" Kai commanded.
The chamber erupted with gunfire. Bullets ricocheted off the tunnel walls, sparks flying as rounds struck the Sentinel's armor.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A couple of shots from Ralph hit the machine's shoulder joint, causing it to stagger slightly. Another round from Kai and Wallace grazed the glowing sensor on its head, leaving a faint crack.
Not enough, huh...
Then, the Hounds charged forward while the Sentinels raised their rifles, glowing ominously.
"Collapse it now!" Kai shouted, having already obtained the information he needed.
As soon as Russel and the others pulled the weakened pillars to bring the tunnel down, a blast of energy erupted from the Sentinel's rifle.